Memorial Day Tribute from RA Warrior

Courage in the blood.

Today we remember the American servicemen who gave up their lives in order to protect our lives. We remember in humility and gratitude because we enjoy so much at their expense. We realize that we could probably not do what they have done in our behalf—and in our name—as Americans.

I am mindful of numerous generations in my own family which served in the various armed forces—all the way back to the American Revolution. I cannot thank them for what they did for me. So, I thank God for them and for giving them the courage to do what they did—to fight and die to make and keep us a free nation.

Americans have a lot of national pride. And lately that’s become a bit controversial. But, what is the source of that pride? In part, it is the memory of these Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. We swell with pride on their behalf whenever we remember them. We are proud of what they did and who they were.

They obviously believed that America and her ideals were worth preserving. Their lives and deaths testified to that. And the testimony that they left us is quite compelling.

My own dad was a United States Marine. He helped instill in me a love for my country and for the military. Even as a child, I was awed by the honor, discipline, and commitment of those men and women. I have always wanted to be like them.

I hope that I will always fight whatever battles that God gives to me with that same guts and courage as a Marine. After all, that fortitude is inside of my blood as much as the RA is. That mental toughness that I admire is part of my inheritance, too.

Kelly Young

Kelly Young is an advocate providing ways for patients to be better informed and have a greater voice in their healthcare. She is the president of the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation. Kelly received national acknowledgement with the 2011 WebMD Health Hero award. Through her writing, speaking, and use of social media, she is building a more accurate awareness of Rheumatoid disease aka Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) geared toward the public and medical community; creating ways to empower patients to advocate for improved diagnosis and treatment; and bringing recognition and visibility to the Rheumatoid patient journey. In 2009, Kelly created Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior, a comprehensive website about RA of about 950 pages and writes periodically for other newsletters and websites. Kelly served on the Mayo Clinic Center for Social Media Advisory Board. There are over 42,000 connections of her highly interactive Facebook Fan page. She created the hashtag: #rheum. Kelly is the mother of five, a home-schooler, Bible teacher, NASA enthusiast, and NFL fan. You can also connect with Kelly by on Twitter or YouTube, or LinkedIn. She has lived over nine years with unrelenting Rheumatoid disease.
See also http://www.rawarrior.com/kelly-young-press/

10 thoughts on “Memorial Day Tribute from RA Warrior”

You are brave like your father. The courage you show everyday with your battle against RA and educating others shows that you fight like a Marine. Great picture as well.
” When your legs are weary, walk with your heart.”

Great Memorial Day tribute Kelly! I’m proud that my son is a Navy vet., and thankful he came home safe. You’re absolutely right that we constantly strive to have the same fighting spirit. Only we’re battling our own bodies!! yikes!

Kelly-what an awesome family legacy! And you’re right. While not that same as fighting and dying for our country, we have to use that same mental toughness to battle whatever challenges life throws our way. Personally, I would have a difficult time doing that,too, without my faith in God to lead me, each and every day. God bless all service people and their families who have served, fought, and died , preserving our country and it’s freedoms.

Don’t forget the one war when service men/women hide when they arrived. Changed their clothes in the restroom before being seen. Where called names, abused, tortured mental. physically and emotional and that was not just from service IN the war. Those service men/women who have so many ghosts in their closet and now live under a bridge, in a box or jail.

While we stand pride for these servicemen remember to shake a hand of those who served in Vietnam. To this day I wear a POW/MIA bracelet on my write. I have worn it over 40 years and still have it right there … on my wrist and in my heart.

I stand up and say THANK YOU every single person who has gone to war, to every friend/family member who prayed to NOT get the phone call or knock at the door ….. And double that to the Vietnam Vets …

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